Abstract

Overview

Electrical signaling is a vital aspect of the nervous system's response mechanism, enabling rapid responses to environmental changes. Traditionally, neuron communication is understood as mainly chemically mediated via synapses. However, electrical interactions between neurons also play a crucial role.

Findings

• Electrical communication between neurons can occur through two primary mechanisms:
• Gap junctions: These are low resistance pathways allowing direct passage of electrical currents between the interiors of two adjacent cells.
• Extracellular electrical fields: These are generated by neuronal electrical activity and facilitate communication without direct cell-to-cell contact.

Conclusion

This paper contrasts two different strategies for electrical neuron communication and their contributions to brain function, framing these mechanisms within a historical context.